Namibia: Stop Negativism, Prioritize the Eradication of Poverty – Minister Kameeta

By Luqman Cloete

The Minister of Poverty Eradication, Zephania Kameeta, called on Namibians to avoid the food bank program and help the government put an end to poverty.

Kameeta launched this call The Banking Program in Mariental in the Hardap Region yesterday

He said that about 90% of the beneficiaries of the program were food insecure before the intervention of the food bank , and that 60% of them are now in food security following the implementation of the program.

Kameeta said that those who say no to the distribution of food, which they think promotes idleness, "do not seem to be lying on a hungry stomach."

"We do not give them food because we are sorry fighting poverty is fundamental for the promotion of human rights, human dignity and social justice, thereby guaranteeing access to food, to the water, housing, clothing and other basic social services. the food bank system is useful for combating hunger, especially for those who are unemployed, given the socio-economic situation of the country.

On financial sustainability, Kameeta said the food bank program would be affordable. "We can not prolong suffering, hunger and poverty by simply speaking," he said, adding that the government welcomes constructive and innovative ideas that will help build the country.

Households benefiting from the program in the Khomas area were reduced from 15,000 to about 5,000.

The Minister said it was because the department had, in consultation with stakeholders, established stringent criteria to ensure that those who face extreme poverty benefit from the food bank initiative.

He added that besides the negativity around this program, there is also a lot of gativism in the country, especially people who despise others, as well as ethnicity and racism.

"Racism is growing in the country," he said, asking what had happened to One Namibia, One Nation.

"Stop being negative! We must be positive in our dealings and stop despising others," said the minister, warning that these negative vices could lead to civil war. 10, 11, 15 and 16, who said yesterday that she had begged for food to feed her children who are still in school.

"When they come back from school, I will prepare their meal for them, thanks to the government's food distribution program," the mother said visibly delighted.